Defence Events

Thales introduces CoastShield at Euronaval 2024

Posted 4 November 2024

At the Euronaval exhibition at Paris Nord Villepinte (4th-7th November 2024), Thales has launched CoastShield, a modular and scalable advanced coastal surveillance system solution designed to monitor and detect coastal activities in real-time, from the shore to the open sea, as well as the lower-altitude airspace.

Image courtesy Thales

Thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI), CoastShield provides a better situational awareness picture and allows the operators to take their decision faster and more accurately, integrating various sensors, such as the CoastWatcher radar, to provide constant monitoring, up to 100 nautical miles, regardless of the weather conditions.

The maritime environment is marked by increasing challenges. Vast coastlines, dynamic maritime activities and increasing threats concealed amidst traditional civil maritime activities all contribute to the complex nature of coastal surveillance. These complexities make it essential to have reliable systems in place to avoid critical gaps that put coastlines, maritime activities and national safety and security at risk, including critical infrastructures such as windfarms. Enhancing coastal surveillance with a system capable of detecting and analysing this complex environment and the abnormal behaviours that can become threats is crucial.

The CoastShield system combines a series of complementary advanced sensors, providing early detection and tracking of even the smallest targets. It integrates all data from subsystems simultaneously and in real-time, from the surface sea level to the lower-altitude airspace, from 12 to 100 nautical miles, giving unparalleled maritime situation awareness. This helps support coastguards and maritime authorities in detecting and responding to threats sooner, faster and more effectively, reinforcing collaborative decision-making between civil and military entities.

It includes the long-range CoastWatcher coastal surveillance radar, offering exceptional performance even in the most challenging conditions. The CoastWatcher also includes an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver, which transmits large volumes of data collected to the Control Centre. Other means include radio systems, long-range electro-optical sensors, as well as a video management system that allows for the management of streams, such as camera selection and recording. Drones (UAVs), Sonobuoy, along with complementary tactical means such as satellites and other requested sensors, can be easily integrated thanks to the modular and scalable nature of the system.

The maritime Control Centre then merges all data collected from the various sensors to provide a comprehensive and up–to-date global maritime picture. Its open architecture also allows the integration of other data from Forces' headquarters. Equipped with a user-friendly interface, the Control Centre can be combined with Artificial Intelligence capabilities to simplify the large amount of complex data into actionable insights, and accelerate the classification process needed by decision-makers to make informed decisions in critical situations.

Lionel de Castellane, Vice-President for Coastal and Civils Radars, Thales, said: “With CoastShield, Thales ensures a nationwide coastal surveillance solution with early detection of the full threat spectrum, based on a smart set of sensors and its unique experience in Artificial Intelligence.

“This launch marks a significant step in our commitment to support nations in protecting coastlines and off-shore critical assets, and reinforcing sovereignty.”